When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall

St. John`s Church

Magazine

Winter 2016

When autumn leaves start to fall

Autumn is a season rich with memories. There is a beautiful song sung by Eva Cassidy which has the line “but most of all I will remember you, my darling, when autumn leaves start to fall”. In some ways it is rather melancholic but the words resonate with a quiet joy in the knowing of somebody and giving thanks for that person. As the trees turn their colours from greens to oranges, yellows, reds and browns, I too find myself reflecting on days and people gone by.

This year though, as autumn leaves have been falling, I have found myself focussing more on issues of life, of days to come and people alongside. Perhaps due to the strange and turbulent times we seem to be going through, I have needed to focus on the fantastic gift that life is, how precious we are simply because we are alive; how wonderful, that our lives are part of the Life that is eternal, universal and communal. It doesn’t matter what tree we come from, for in the end we are all leaves together and they fall they mingle and mix creating a wonderful tapestry of rich colour, and a great playground for each and every child who wants to get stuck in.

Here in this magazine are some autumn leaves, some will make you laugh, some make you think, some will be about things, some about people. But whatever you read in this magazine remember that each one is about Life and how precious it is.

Enjoy! Peter.

A big thank you, from Sylvia and me, to all our contributors and readers. This magazine gives a lovely flavour of St John’s to many people. Tony puts it on the website so that it spreads far and wide: one of our original aims was to include as many people as possible. If you feel you could write something for the next issue, please send it in. The gardening and recipe articles could do with a new flavour but we welcome thoughts on almost any subject. As we come to the end of this year, we would like to wish everyone health, peace and happiness in the next.Anne.

Meet the Congregation: Fiona & Robert Croucher.

Rob and I feel like we have been part of the family at St John’s for several years. The reality in fact, is that we’ve only been attending for about 18 months now. Yes, we would come to the annual Christingle service but then we didn’t attend between. This was due to several personal reasons, mainly weekly trips down to Kent to see Rob’s gravely ill Mum who then sadly passed away and then to visit a very sick step Dad.

When Rob and I started to talk seriously about getting married, I knew that for me that meant at St John’s. My parents were married here and I wanted to be as well. Rob was in complete support of this. That was the impetus that brought us to church to begin with – but that’s not what “grabbed us” and kept us coming. When we met with Peter and booked our wedding in, we could have left and not come back till we had to meet again to plan the service. That didn’t seem right to us and we had already gotten to know a few people and we genuinely enjoyed getting to know so many new friends. When Rob re-located to Yorkshire, the only people he knew were my family and his work colleagues. Rob has felt more and more part of the community with every week that passes and that’s because of how we feel we’ve been welcomed and encouraged.

Knowing that people at church knew our wedding was approaching made it seem even more exciting (if that was ever possible!). When our first bans of marriage were read and we had a fantastic spontaneous round of applause, we knew that we were truly part of our church and that was very humbling.

Our wedding day has come and gone now. It was one of the most special times in our lives and we were overwhelmed by the support we received and the genuine feelings that were shared.

We are both now enjoying being involved in activities at Church, The Ark, Pathfinders and the Well Being Cafe etc and we are looking forward to sharing our friendship and fellowship in the years to come.

Thank you St John’s, for your open arms and your warm embrace, Fiona & Rob

The Feast of Chanukah (pronounced HANAKAH)

The Hidden Code of the Menorah

Each November/December season the Jewish people celebrate a festival in the Hebraic calendar called `Chanukah`, also known as the Festival of Light.

It is a time to celebrate and give thanks for God`s faithfulness and deliverance for the Jewish nations. Two thousand years ago the Jewish people worshipped God in the temple in Jerusalem. Inside the temple was a sacred piece of furniture called The MENORAH. This was a nine-branched Candelabra, and all the branches were kept lit continuously with a special oil that took eight days to make.

Once they ran out of oil due to a war against the Greeks, who had profaned their (Jewish) temple; so when they returned to the temple they only had enough oil for one day. However, they lit the Menorah in faith and the oil burned for eight days. It was a miracle, and thus the Feast of Chanukah (Dedication) began.

Today, during the eight day feast, one candle is lit, on the first night, then two candles on the second night, until all eight, plus the SERVANT CANDLE are burning brightly in Jewish homes.

The Hidden Code Explained

The number nine in the Hebrew language represents completion. Jesus was born nine months after Mary`s visitation from Gabriel. The ninth branch of the Menorah (central branch) is known as the SERVANT BRANCH. Jesus is known as the SERVANT KING (Zech. 3:8, 6:12).The High Priest in the temple was the only person allowed to light the Menorah and never allow it to go out. Jesus is our great high priest in heaven (Heb.9:11). The Holy Spirit is represented by the oil and flames in the Menorah which gives illumination to the branches (Acts.2:3-4). Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches (Jn. 15:1). There are nine characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22). Chanukah is also known as the Festival of Lights. Our Father God is the Father of Lights (James 1:7). This hidden Code shows us The Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

When we light our Christmas candles let us remember our Lord and King and give thanks to Yeshua.

Researched and compiled by Anna Whitehead

These two poems were, originally, written by myself, (Nikki Gibson) on two separate occasions. They were, also, inspired by two separate people, however as I experienced seeing a beam of light (I assumed that it was sunlight, until I realised that it came through the church roof, and not through a window) the day I started coming to St John's, which seemed to put one person in the “spotlight”, and highlight a few heads, that has become a very powerful link.

Black Angel

Black Angel, I don't want to seem needy,

There's something I need you to know…

I will never want to know how you're feeling,

But, I'll follow you, wherever you go.

I know I've done some thoughtless things,

Black Angel, when I've been down.

I'll try but, maybe, I'll never succeed,

To cherish every minute you're around.

Black Angel, you came, and talked to me,

And knew things, which took me by surprise

But, from the very first day that I met you,

I knew being your friend would be wise.

At times you looked like you needed reassurance,

Those words I will 'fight’ not to say,

Black Angel, if you need me to, somehow, tell you,

I'm prepared to find another way.

Black Angel, you changed your behaviour,

Thinking you were keeping me on my toes,

But the one thing, I think, you briefly forgot,

Is God told me, because He already knows…

To write this poem, in all honesty,

It's taken me a lot of guts,

Saying 'Thank you...” - I'd be here forever,

But, Black Angel you still drive me nuts!

Corner

No-one knows what's around the corner,

Or, what you see out of the corner of your eye,

There could, even, be someone waiting,

Wondering whether, or not, to pass by.

I've turned I don't know how many corners,

Trying to show people, how much I still care,

But when someone, I know, verbally attacks

I'll defend you, because it's not fair!

We inevitably turn countless corners,

Trying hard to get from A to B,

You are able to make me think twice

And stop me making the wrong decision, for me.

I wouldn't blame anyone hiding 'round a corner,

Trying desperately to stay out of sight

Frightened of my very next move,

But my bark is far worse than my bite!

I'm thankful that you turned a corner,

Realising you need to spread your wings.

Because if you do not take any chances,

You haven't a clue what life inevitably brings.

If I find myself backed into a corner,

By someone claiming they're “hurt, too”

I will come out, intending to fight.

Hoping the person, who'll defend me, is you!

______

A PERENNIAL FAVOURITE

In the dark, dreary depths of winter, unless one can take pleasure in the form of a leafless tree (sycamore has a particularly lovely shape), it’s good to think over favourite gardens from the warmer weather. One of mine is the York Gate Garden at Adel: a little gem just perfect for an afternoon’s amble in the early summer. It’s tucked away on Back Church Lane but if you are able to park on Church Lane and walk through the churchyard, there’s the Norman arch over the doorway at St John’s to inspect on your way there. It’s always astonishing to me that such buildings have lasted so long. Having popped in for a prayer, it’s just a short, level walk to the Garden.

The Garden itself is small, but perfectly formed. Even if there are a few visitors, it is divided into ‘rooms,’ so there’s always a spot for contemplation. The planting scheme keeps evolving but last year there was a white garden with scent and texture to add interest. Once the borders have been enjoyed, and a few photos taken, there are a few plants for sale at the back: nothing too commercial, just an optional extra.

The tea room was renovated recently and this was a nice surprise: not only were the surroundings pleasing but the portions were generous and there were gluten-free goodies on offer amongst the home-made cakes. It adds an extra dimension to the visit and again, it’s an opportunity to support a very worthy cause.

York Gate Gardens is run by Perennial, a charity to support horticultural workers and their families in need. It started in 1839 to provide an income to former gardeners, particularly Head Gardeners, who had spent a lifetime doing gruelling physical work and then lost their tied homes and income on retirement. It’s a small organisation, whose case workers now provide free advice and financial assistance to about 1200 people a year, but their scope has widened to include other parts of the horticultural industry such as seed suppliers. See and pop in to the York Gate Garden for a cuppa in the summer. It’s well worth a visit.

______

These pieces below were written at our recent church Arts Day in September, where we were invited to write and reflect on our church and what it means for us.

CHRISTINGLE

Each Christmas, it’s Christingle-making time,

The silky red ribbon tied round the orange world,

The colourful sticky sweets,

The tall white candle with its flickering flame,

Sharing the magical candlelit service,

Reminding us of Jesus coming.

Written by one of our young people

Divided by a railway line Ben Rhydding cascades from the ancient solidity of the moor to the rushing river below. Above the line in the centre of the village stands St John’s with its clock never quite right and its roof in need of repair but still it stands the test of time.

Walking past one wonders what goes on inside, what do the church family do, who are they, what keeps people going there? One day I went in to find out and 17 years later I still keep coming. The congregation are an odd bunch really, old and young, able and not so able, rich and poor, quiet and loud and yet the sense of family has become stronger in recent years. All these people sharing a common purpose and working that out in so many different ways.

No experience at St John’s is ever quite the same. I love being part of the music team and engaging with the congregation to lift the roof off praising God or contemplating Him through music and song. I love to sit and reflect particularly when the candles are lit and there is that peaceful gentle atmosphere. I love the chance to chat and share my week. I love the bustle of the community doing so many activities through the week, it’s always so busy. Caroline Watson

Living in Ben Rhydding

In the beginning I knew no one. I tried to talk but people rushed on by.

‘Where is the community in this place?’ I thought.

‘Beautiful spaces, lovely walks, fantastic greenery, vistas but where is everyone?’

For a while I stumbled on briefly saying, “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” then huddling back into my own place.

A chance meeting involving golden retrievers led me to St John’s church. The doors opened, welcome awaited me here.

Joyous dancing, singing, prayers and community spirit.

‘Wow, I want some of that,’ I thought.

Years later, it’s still here and a great part of my life and our community.

Lynn Haygarth

______

Here in church is me; and here is God …

Here there is quiet; a still small voice.

Here there is noise, let’s sing and rejoice!

Here there is peace, a sense that’s divine;

Here there is struggle and stress that is mine.

Here there are answers to speak to my soul;

Here there are mysteries too vast to unfold.

Here I can be on my own – lost in space;

Here is a smile for me fresh on a face.

Here I can pray for others, for me!

Here I can listen, God’s voice to receive.

Here I can shout – if angry I am;

Here I can cry, laugh or hatch my next plan.

Here I can dream, and see visions all new;

Here I can remember, lost chances to rue …

Here in church is me; and here is God …

Sylvia Walker

Almighty

Within the earth, stone;

Within the stone, blocks;

Within the blocks, church;

Within the church, space;

Within the space, a sigh;

Within the sigh, power;

Within the power, creation;

Within creation, earth …

Anne Archer (with apologies to Ted Hughes’ Amulet)

Foundation

This rock, solid,

still, sand stone,

not long hacked

and hewed by man

from ground, laid ages past

by tools of sea and ice,

was chosen, fashioned, laid anew,

solid and still once more;

a place where sad, worn and weary

can sink beneath the waves

drifting, for a while, down,

to find bedrock,

solid, still,

on which to rest…

…and then to build.

Peter Willox

Uganda 1962

The weaver birds sing overhead

And build their nests in the morning while

I stopped my work, looked up and said

`The weaver birds sing overhead

And bring the grass that makes their bed.

Why must I find it hard to smile

The weaver birds sing overhead

And build their nests in the morning while`.

David Barnes

THE LORD’SPRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your Kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,

now and for ever. Amen

I CANNOT PRAY IF ------

I cannot pray “OUR” if my faith has no room for others and their need.

I cannot pray “FATHER” if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.

I cannot pray “WHO ART IN HEAVEN” if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot pray “HALLOWED BE THY NAME” if I am not striving for God’s help to be holy.

I cannot pray “THY KINGDOM COME” if I am unwilling to accept God’s rule in my life.

I cannot pray “ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service here and now.

I cannot pray “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD” without expending honest effort for it, or if I would withhold from my neighbour the bread I receive.

I cannot pray “FORGIVEUS OURTRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVETHOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” if I continue to harbour a grudge against anyone.

I cannot pray “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION” if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.